Authorities in central California are searching for Danielle Staley, a 35-year-old woman from Holladay, Utah, who has been missing for nearly a week after disappearing from a beach area in Santa Cruz County.
According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Staley was last seen on the night of Nov. 6 near Rio Del Mar State Beach in the Aptos area. She is described as 5-foot-6 with blond hair and was last spotted wearing a dark hoodie and leopard-print leggings.
The night she went missing
Sheriff’s spokesperson Zach West said Staley had been traveling with a friend for more than a month. The pair arrived in the Santa Cruz area about a week before her disappearance.
Around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, Staley and her friend joined a group of people for a bonfire on the beach. At some point, they became separated. The next morning, Staley was nowhere to be found — but her belongings were still on the sand.
West noted that Staley cutting off contact with family and friends is “out of character,” heightening concern for her wellbeing.
Investigation underway
Detectives are working to identify the people who were at the beach that night and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Numerous callers have reported possible sightings, and investigators plan to follow up on each tip.
So far, officials say there is no evidence suggesting Staley left Santa Cruz County, so the sheriff’s office remains the sole agency handling the case. Her traveling companion is cooperating with investigators.
Anyone with information about Staley’s whereabouts is urged to call the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 831-471-1121.
For updates on missing persons protocols and public safety guidelines, visit the California Office of Emergency Services.
